WEST WINDSOR — Throughout the season John Francis has done what freshman are expected to do.

He worked hard on the 3rd line, he battled for the loose puck and made the most of his opportunities.

Come tournament time the growing pains have turned into a fierce desire to continue the Robbinsville High ice hickey season.

The young Francis did his part with his first career hat trick as the Ravens blanked Freehold Township, 6-0 yesterday in the first round of the state Public A tourney played at Mercer County Park.

Robbinsville (19-5-1) is the 10th seed and now they travel to play Roxbury in the second round with the game set for the Aspen Ice Arena in Randolph. The time has yet to be determined.

Seventh-seeded Roxbury advanced with a come-from-behind 7-6 win over West Windsor-Plainsboro North on Saturday.

“We went back to a stock straight up offense,’’ said Robbinsville coach Dan Bergan. “The kids executed in all ways and shapes. I don’t think we doubted ourselves, but after a nice 6-0 game like this we feel real good about ourselves.’’

The concern about the Ravens confidence comes from the difficult loss 8-3 to Notre Dame in the finals of the county tournament.

But, the Ravens showed no signs the defeat was lingering as they scored four minutes into the game and put up two each period. Kellen Anker in goal with 37 saves anchored the defense.

Francis had the three goals with Cole Sousa, Dan Cox and Scott Kurzeja all adding one. Sousa had three assists, Eric Hildebrand two and Logan Fredericks and Jimmy Kenna both accounted for one.

“This is my first hat trick and it feels awesome,’’ said Francis, who had just one goal coming into the game. “This is a special time of the year and I want to keep the seniors playing as long as we can.’’

Francis has been doing all he can the entire season and now he has a few points to show for it.

“He’s been filling a spot and plugging a hole on the third line all season,’’ said Bergan of Francis. “He is as trustworthy a player as you’d want. He always does his job and tonight his job ended in a hat trick.

Leading the supporting cast was Sousa, who is also a member of the Ravens third line that did the trick against the Patriots.

“We came out and we were moving the puck really well and we were able to get a couple goals early,’’ said Sousa, who deflected in the Ravens first goal. “It was important to get our heads back after the other night (Notre Dame). We were confident and we just needed to regroup.’’

The third line led by Francis and Sousa has stepped up over the last few games and are contributing more.

“We are playing well together and we are seeing each other on the passes,’’ said Sousa. “This is the state, everyone has to pick their game up at this time.’’